Family welcomes soldier home from Afghanistan

Welcome home

Eric Riehl/Metroland Media Group

Burlington resident Zachary Todman recently came home from Afghanistan, to the delight of his family. Here, he poses with his family. From left is Zachary, Alina Todman, Laura Guerriero, Samantha Cockman, Sasha Guerriero, Jim Guerriero, Max Guerriero-Scott, Kirsty Guerriero, and Jesse Todman.

BURLINGTON – The excitement was palpable as a Burlington family stood anxiously on their front lawn, waiting for one of their own returning from Afghanistan.
“We’ve been praying so hard for him to come safely home. He’s been so far away,” said Laura Guerriero as she anticipated her grandson Zachary Todman’s arrival.
Todman’s uncle, Jim Guerriero, decorated the front of his house with a yellow sign that read ‘Welcome Home From Afghanistan, Zach,’ which covered the entire garage.
“We were so nervous the whole time he was there, waiting everyday, watching the TV,” Jim said. “Thank God he’s coming home and he’s great.”
Todman, 26, who was born and raised in Burlington, left his hometown five years ago to pursue a career in the military. He was deployed to Afghanistan in February and returned to Canada on Nov. 22.
The family had heard stories of Zack surviving a rocket attack as he was escorting two teachers outside of camp. But it was over now. He was almost home.
The anticipation of those gathered on the lawn began to rise when the family learned the guest of honour was stuck in traffic and would be late.
Todman was traveling with his wife, Samantha Cockman, and their young daughter from where he is stationed at CFB Gagetown, in New Brunswick.
To pass the time, the family talked about Zack.
Todman’s brother Jesse said, “I’m proud of what he’s been doing. I’ve seen him for a total of two weeks in the last five years.”
He added, “He’s just very proud to be a Canadian.”
Jim said when he met his nephew on leave earlier this year, he was pleased with what he saw.
“He went over there and it turned him into man,” he said. “When I first saw him when he came back it was fantastic.
“It’s over. He did his year. He did his time and now he’s coming home.”
As the day grew long, the family remained vigilant, waiting for Zack. The sun had gone down by the time he pulled up.
A few days later, the Post caught up with Zack, who was settling in after a long drive home. Corporal Todman, as he’s known in military circles, said he was surprised when he saw everyone out on the front lawn of his uncle’s house.
“It was flattering, really,” he said.
The former Central High School student said his duty in Afghanistan was training the Afghan soldiers. He was stationed at Camp Alamo outside of Kabul.
Todman said he was responsible for range control and safety during training exercises. He said he was able to teach his trainees some English and he found they were curious about where he came from.
“They were always asking questions about Canada and our culture and they were really curious about how life is here,” he said.
“The Afghans that I worked with were surprisingly willing to work with us and really receptive,” he added. “They were really easy to work with aside from the language barrier.”
Todman said he also learned a lot about the Afghan people and their culture.
“We were there for Ramadan. It’s a Muslim holiday where they fast. They don’t eat or drink during the day,” he said. “It was interesting to see how devoted they were to their religion.”
But Todman’s experience in the troubled region wasn’t always positive.
One day in April, Todman recalled escorting two American, civilian English teachers to a class outside of camp. A rocket attack occurred nearby, shattering the windows of the classroom.
“Rockets were flying overhead. I was like, ‘let’s get out of here,’” he said.
Todman managed to get his charges the 800 metres back to camp safely.
While Todman was overseas, his wife and newborn daughter were never far from his thoughts. When he left, his daughter Alina was only four months old.
“When I come back, she’s a year old,” he said. “She’s eating, she can hold her own bottle and she can walk around.
“It was really hard,” he said about leaving his daughter, adding that he did get the opportunity to Skype (video chat) his family while he was in Afghanistan.
“I got to see her as she grew up, getting all her teeth and talking, but actually being able to see her and hold her again is a unique experience,” he said. “There is no way to describe it.”